A/N- As usual, thank you guys for everything! This chapter is going to be a bit intense. Violence, Rape or almost rape (depending on what you consider rape) and murder. You've been fairly warned.
I had spent most of yesterday in the woods with Daryl, learning how to use his crossbow. Daryl was a great teacher; I was nailing squirrels from twenty five feet. It seemed to be just what the doctor ordered, Toby had slept most of the day, Hershel drugged him up, so I didn't have to worry about him. We hunted, Daryl convinced me to eat a squirrel, laughed when I scrunched my nose and choked down a piece of the raw meat. It had put my heart and mind at ease. We came back at night fall, sat by the small fire Daryl had built, I told him more about my dream. He actually smiled, told me how the dream was right, if he had ever had kids, he would make damn sure they were never made to feel like he was growing up. He shared a bit of his past with me, how it was always just him. How he would wake up, take himself to school, cook for himself. He taught himself to hunt and fish, had saved up money for his crossbow. We had turned in for the night, burrowed down in the blankets in our tent, far away from the rest of the world, safe in each other's arms.
The sun had risen; we got dressed early and headed towards the others to find out more about Randall. Rick wanted to interrogate him, get information about his crew, how many were in it and how big of a threat they were. We stand discussing things, I admit, I was a bit uneasy about the whole thing. From what Rick said they were hostile and would be coming looking for a fight. I run a hand through my hair as Rick looks towards Daryl. It was a tall order to ask of Daryl, but if anyone was going to get answers from the guy, Daryl could. Daryl nods, walking towards the barn. I debated, but then turned to follow Daryl. Of course the hunter in Daryl knew I was following him.
"What are ya doin', Murph?" He asked, turning around.
"I'm coming with you." I said.
"No." He said.
"Yes, you need backup. I know its one kid, I know you can handle it, but I'm coming just in case." I say walking around him.
He sighs; he knew he couldn't win this argument, so he just continued on. Once we reach the barn, Daryl enters first; I walk in behind him, closing the doors. The Randall guy sits handcuffed slumped over on the ground. The sound of Daryl and I entering the barn causes him to sit up. Daryl glares coldly as I walk over, sitting atop an old table. Randall looks Daryl and I over. I could see the fear in his eyes, he was sweating, leg swollen. Daryl paces slowly like a wild animal stalking its prey. Randal gathers up enough courage to look past Daryl towards me.
"Ma'am, please, please listen to me. I didn't do nothing, ya gotta believe me!" He cried out.
"Don' talk to her!" Daryl snapped.
I admit, I jumped at the boom in his voice. It was amazing how Daryl could turn on a dime. The same man that was sweet and gentle to me, right now looked a deadly viper, ready to strike.
"Please, I don't know nothing!" Randal begged. "Please, Ma'am..." He was cut off.
Daryl kicked his leg in warning. That's when I saw Daryl's blue eyes grow stormy, his demeanor changed.
"How many in yer group?" Daryl growled.
Randall continued to beg, avoiding the question and that's when Daryl landed the first blow, knocking Randal over. Daryl threw punch after punch; the more Randall cried out, the more it seemed to infuriate Daryl. For a moment I wonder if that was how he was treated. The tears seemed to fuel Daryl's anger. His actions spoke in volumes right now. Daryl was probably beaten, more if he cried, would explain the reason hardly cries and keeps a stone face.
"I told you..." Randall cried out, but was cut off by a punch from Daryl.
Daryl laid into Randall a few more times, bloodying his face more. Randall spit blood from his mouth onto the ground as Daryl paced.
"You ain't told me shit!" Daryl growled grabbing Randall, slamming him against the floor.
"I barely knew those guys. I met em on the road." Randall whined.
"How many in yer group?" Daryl asked.
Randall didn't answer, he just groaned and cried. He looked at me, I just stared back coldly. My mind was busy as I watched Daryl. I could have stopped him, but part of me didn't want to. This guy could bring trouble to our front door and I wasn't ready for an ambush, none of us were. Daryl glares at Randall, taking his knife from its holder as Randal cried out.
"Please, lady, ya gotta help me!" His cries falling on deaf ears as he saw Daryl's knife. "NO NO NO NO, come on man!" He cried.
"How many?" Daryl growled, driving the knife into the floor by Randall's injured leg.
"30...30 guys!" Randall says in a shaky tone.
"Where?" Daryl growls.
"I don't know, I swear!" Randal cried out.
I watched Daryl pry this guy for answers; dig his knife into Randall's leg. I could have stopped this, but I had to admit, I was with Shane on this. Randall was a threat; if the group were as hostile as Rick said, then this guy was probably playing us. We had lost too many people to leave things up to chance. Under normal circumstances, I would be trying to save this Randall's life, but these weren't normal circumstances and I was greedy, I wasn't going to sacrifice my life or the lives of those I loved on a whim that this guy may not be trouble. I had to admit, the look in Daryl's eyes, it made me feel safe. Randall screamed out as Daryl pulled the bandage from his leg. Daryl growled at him as Randall begged him to stop.
"You ever pick off a scab?" Daryl taunted as he pressed the knife against Randall's wound.
"Come on man, I'm trying to corporate!" Randall cried.
"Start real slow at first..." Daryl said digging his knife into Randall's leg. "Sooner or later ya just gotta rip it off." Daryl growled.
"Ok, ok, they have weapons. Heavy stuff. Automatics, but I didn't do anything." Randall whined.
I bit my lip gently, turning away as Daryl dug the knife into Randall's leg. The more he talked, the more nervous I got. There would be no way we could survive an attack, I began to wonder what if we were already being watched. There was no way to know for sure; maybe this was all a set up. The way the world was now I don't think anyone was above sacrificing someone. Shane and Otis, case in point. Yeah, I knew, Daryl told me his theory yesterday, which meant I would have to go to Abby about it, if Shane could kill Otis, there would be no telling what else he could do.
"Boys shot at my boys, tried to take this farm. You just went along for the ride, trying to tell me you were innocent!" Daryl growled.
The look in Randall's eyes screamed fear, I wouldn't have been shocked if he pissed himself. This was a serious situation and it needed to be dealt with. Sure we may be going about it in an animalistic way, but the new world we were in made it so we had to be that way. Us or them. If this was a set up, we had to be ready. I listen to Daryl interrogate Randall, listen to Randal spill his guts while begging for mercy. Randall's eyes find me, almost beg me for help, but I continue to stare back coldly at him. Daryl kicks him, warning him to not look in my direction. Moments pass and Randall utters something that made my blood run cold.
"One night we, we found this little campsite. A man and his two daughters. Teenagers, ya know? Real young, real cute." Randall said looking up at Daryl.
I watched Daryl stop, he glanced towards me. His blue eyes had a storm brewing in them; I could almost see his blood start boiling. I admit, it sent a shiver up my back. These men weren't only killers, but rapists to. Daryl looks back towards Randall; he looked as if he could tear Randall to pieces with his bare hands. He doesn't speak though, just watches Randall.
"The daddy had to watch while these guys they..." Randall stuttered. "And they didn't even kill him afterwards, they, they just made him watch. His daughters, just...just left them there." Randall cried.
I admit, I was starting to get scared. These mean clearly had no mercy. I would fight to the death for my "family" if I had to, but it didn't mean I wanted things to come to that. Randall was digging his grave judging by the cold glare Daryl gave him. Randall saw the look in Daryl's eyes, perhaps you know, it wasn't a bright idea to tell the man beating the shit out of you that you witnessed your boys raping two girls, just a hunch.
"No, but I didn't touch those girls. Now I swear." Randall cries as Daryl kicks him in the stomach. "Please, please, ya gotta believe me man! I'm not like that." Randall begs as Daryl punches him, and then kicks him for good measure. "I ain't like that, please, please, ya gotta believe me." Randall pleaded.
His pleas fell on deaf ears as Daryl continued his assault. I could have sworn at one point Randall lost a tooth. Daryl continues his questioning and beating as I get up and step outside, I needed some air. My mind was busy, I wondered about the outcome of all this. We seemed to be turning into savages, but there wasn't much to stop it. We couldn't sit around and twiddle our thumbs hoping no one attacked. I lean against the barn, rubbing my neck as I head Randall go quiet. I look towards the barn door as Daryl emerges, bloody knuckles and crossbow over his shoulder.
"Well?" I ask softly.
"This ain't gonna be pretty." He says looking down at my gun holster. "Keep those with ya at all times." He adds.
"Planned on it." I say softly.
Daryl and I walk back towards the group, his silence meant he was still a bit pissed; Randall's words probably lingered in his mind, hell they lingered in mine. Rick nods towards us as we slowly approach, the group gathering around us. I walk towards Abby, ignoring Toby who was also standing around doing nothing as usual.
"The boy in there's got a gang, thirty men and they ain't lookin' to make friends. They roll through here, our boys are dead and our women, they're, they're gonna wish they were." Daryl says stone faced.
I feel Abby's arm wrap around me and tighten. I put my arm around her, reassuring her it was gonna be ok. I could see the look in everyone's eyes, the fear in some and the determination in others. We needed a plan; we had to be ready to defend ourselves.
"What did ya do?" Carol asked in a whisper.
"We had a little chat." Daryl said walking past her.
"So now what?" Abby asked. "We need to be ready." She added.
"No one goes near this guy." Rick says.
I watch Lori walk over and question him. Daryl walks next to Abby and I. I look up at him, blue eyes still stormy. He wasn't much of a talker and if he had his way, I think Randall would already be dead. Abby and I step away, letting everyone know we would stay close. Abby and I walk out a ways, sitting down on the nearby picnic table.
"Talk to me." Abby says.
"Just thinking, that guy, you shoulda heard what he was saying. He has a crew of 30, these guys; they found this campsite with this dad and his two teenage daughters. He said he wasn't involved when they attacked the girls, made the dad watch. I'm scared Abby, we can't combat 30 men. We'd be as good as dead." I say softly.
"I know, thought the same thing. It's why...I'm with Shane, we need to eliminate this threat. I'm against killing, but hell Murph it's us or them and I fuckin' choose us, ya know?" She says running a hand through her hair.
"Yeah, me too." I say.
"So, what was with you snapping at Carol?" She asked changing the subject.
"I was just grouchy, I had a dream, it kinda sucked to wake up and realize it wasn't real." I say, looking around.
"About?" She inquires.
"Daryl and I, we were married. Aurora was his; we had a son named little Daryl and one more on the way. You were with Shane, pregnant too because we always joked about being pregnant together. I had a good life, no Toby, no abuse, no nothing." I sigh.
"Sounds awesome Murph, I'm sorry though. I wish I could make it happen for ya." She says putting her arm around my shoulder. "As for me and Shane, yeah..." She trails off.
"Trouble in paradise?" I ask.
"Yeah, he fucked Andrea. Guess it wasn't enough he's obsessed with Lori. Did ya know they slept together before?" She asks.
"Wow, no...I didn't. Sorry Abbz." I say softly.
"Don't be, I wasn't in love with him. He's a good lay, he listens and has a good head on his shoulders, but he ain't the marrying type." She says. "We talked, friends with benefits is what we are and I'm good with that." She says.
"Really Abby?" I say a bit shocked.
"With how the world is today? I'm not looking for love, I'm glad you found it, but me, if it happens, it happens, if not, I'm ok. Don't worry about me silly girl." She says squeezing my shoulders.
"It's my job." I say looking at her.
"It's ok to take a break on the job ya know?" She says.
"Yeah, but you know me." I sigh.
"Yep, I do. Why don't you go check on squirrel boy. When you're done we can clean and inspect our guns, make sure their ready to go." She says softly.
Before I could speak she shoves me off the table, towards mine and Daryl's camp. I stop and grab the first aid kit from Carol. I apologize for yesterday, she gives me an understanding nod, telling me when I wanted to talk I could come to her. I thank her softly before heading towards the camp where Daryl was. He was sitting on the rock wall, messing with his bloody knuckles. He looks up at me, watching as I kneel down between his legs.
"Hey." I say softly.
"Hey." He answers back.
"Let me see your knuckles so I can doctor them. Please?" I ask.
He doesn't answer, instead holds his hand out. The reality of his anger was magnified by just how badly his knuckles were busted, bruised and bloody. Though some of the blood I knew belonged to Randall. We sit in silence, Daryl breaking the silence only a few times by hissing as I pour rubbing alcohol over his knuckles and cleaned the dirt and dried blood from his hands.
"So what are your thoughts?" I ask softly.
"On?" He asked, playing dumb.
"Randall." I say staring work on his other hand.
"He's trouble, I don' trust him. We need to deal with him." He says coldly.
"I agree, he could bring trouble we aren't ready for. I've made it too far to fuckin' die now." I say cleaning the dirt from Daryl's hand.
Daryl just watches me, hissing a bit as I poor more alcohol over his knuckles. I gently blow on them, it was something I always did when I had to pour alcohol on a cut, I wasn't even really sure it worked. We sit in silence for a bit longer, Daryl watching me finish cleaning his hands. I look up at him and smile.
"Thanks." He says softly.
"Ya don' gotta thank me, I told ya I would take care of ya, Dixon." I say softly.
"How are ya feelin'? He asked, running a thumb over my bruised cheek.
"Sore, tired...the long days are taking their toll on me." I answer.
"Then ya need to rest, don' ya think?" He asks.
"Yeah, but I can't do that. Too much to do, gotta keep alert." I say.
"Yer no good if yer tired, Murph." He says standing up, pulling me with him.
I go to protest, but yawn. My body was still sore from the fight, sleeping on the ground did nothing to help that fact. Daryl gently cups my face, kissing my bruised lips before wrapping his arms around me for a moment. I let myself relax against him, let the wall crumble a bit and close my eyes, resting my head under his chin for a bit. I exhale as he rubs my back, soothing away the bad feelings.
"Murph, go lay down, I'll come back and check on ya. I'll send Abby up to check on ya as well." He says softly.
I go to speak, but Daryl cuts me off by ushering me towards the tent. He looks at me for a moment, I go to protest, but he just points at the tent. I wasn't up for arguing anyways. I watch Daryl walk away, kicking off my boots by the door before entering the tent. I slip my gun holster off, laying it beside my pillow. I settle in, exhaling softly. I must not have realized how tired I was because sleep claimed me almost as soon as my head hit the pillow. I don't know how long I was out, I remember hearing Daryl and Dale talking, Dale telling Daryl he was a good man, but then I fell back asleep. My bruised body must have needed it, was the only explanation for my heavy slumber.
I slowly wake up to a hand on my hip. I smile softly, still groggy from my nap. The hand rubs my hip gently, trailing down my leg.
"Go away, Dixon. Don't ya got squirrels to catch." I say pushing the hand away.
What happened next jolted me awake. The hand was on my throat and the other over my mouth. I look up to see Toby pinning me down. I squirm under his rough hands. I could take him if I had an advantage, but his two hundred and seventy five pound body over powered my one hundred and seventy five pound body. I try to scream, but his grip tightens on me. I knew what he had planned; it was it in his eyes. I wasn't a victim and I sure as hell wasn't going to let him make me one. I bring my hand up, but he takes his hand from my throat and catches it, pinning it down. He growls at me, leaning his face down, his warm breath ghosting across my already bruised face.
"No one around to hear you scream bitch. Remind me to thank your boyfriend for moving ya all the way out here for me." He laughed.
"FUCK YOU!" I mumbled from under his hand.
"Ah ah, no, but I am going to enjoy fucking you." He laughed.
I continue to struggle under his weight. He moved his hand, grabbing a handful of my hair and kissing me roughly. I bite his lip; I can taste a hint of copper before he growls and backhands me. I cry out. He grabs my hands again, pinning them down with one of his much larger ones.
"Don't worry, Imma give it to ya rough. You think you were going to get away from me? I waited for this for days you stupid bitch. You're MINE, you will always be MINE and nothing will change that. Not even your precious Daryl." He growls as he ripped my shirt.
Tears run down my cheeks as I continue to fight, kicking my legs until Toby sat on them. Someone had to find me, help me. I couldn't let this happen, please, I can't, I screamed in my mind. I shiver as I feel Toby's tongue run up my neck and then his teeth nip at my ear. I wanted to vomit.
"When I'm done with you no one will ever want you again. You think Daryl will want a used up whore like you?" He taunted me.
I spit in his face and get head butted for my effort. I groan painfully as tears pour from my eyes. This wasn't happening; I cry out for Daryl and get mocked by Toby as he tears open the shirt I had on, exposing my bare chest. I scream out, crying harder as I feel his tongue along my breasts. I continued to squirm, attempting to wiggle my wrists free, but to no avail. I feel him bite down hard on my right breasts making me cry out in pain.
"PLEASE, STOP! PLEASE!" I begged him.
I was trying to stay strong when all I wanted was to retreat into myself, into my mind where I wasn't about to be raped by Toby. No, in that place in my mind I was safe with Daryl; he had his arms around me, holding me tight like he did when I had nightmares. It wasn't Toby's disgusting lips on my body, no, it was Daryl's. I flinch as Toby grabs my hair and kisses me once more, the blood from where I bit him dripping into my mouth. Panic sets in as I feel him unbutton the jean shorts I had on. I buck my hips and flail as he breaks the kiss.
"Don't fight it, just be a good little whore and lay there." He growls.
I cry out as I feel his dirty hand slip into my pants. God, please, someone help me. I feel his fingers against me, I jerk away. Someone had to hear me, anyone. My mind was in survival mode now, I feel Toby lift him off me for a moment to unbutton his pants. That was my chance. Just as his weight is lifted from my left knee, I bring it up, connecting with his groin. He yells out and falls over. I scramble for my gun, kicking back the hammer and rolling over to point it at him. He laughs and lunges for me. The next thing I knew I was pulling the trigger, sending his brains all over the front of the tent and all over me. His bloodied body drops like a ton of bricks on my legs.
I laid there, half naked, breathing heavy as my head spun. I was having a hard time processing, a hard time believing that this just happened. I look around, pulling my legs out from under Toby. The tent was covered in blood; it was soaking through my sheets. I begin to panic a bit as I stand up, gun in my shaking hand. I looked around before looking down at myself, the bleeding bite mark on my chest. I honestly don't remember what happened next, I just remember holding my shirt closed as I ran from the tent, ran towards the camp.
Shane was the first to see me, catching me in his arms as everyone else rushed towards us. He takes the gun from me and hands it off to Rick. He looked me over, realizing that if I let go of my shirt I would be exposed to everyone. Abby is by my side as Shane takes off the t-shirt he had on and hands it to Abby. Abby turns me around, back to everyone and helps me slip Shane's shirt of my head. I just stand there, tears running down my face, Toby's blood not only in my mouth, but splattered all over my body.
I could hear their voices, Rick asking where Daryl was and others asking me what happened and if that was walker blood. I feel myself being gently shaken and snap out of my daze. If look up to meet Abby's green eyes. She was wiping the blood from my face as I feel hands on my shoulder. I look over my shoulder to see Shane standing there with Rick, everyone else a few feet back.
"Come on, Murph, tell us what happened?" Shane urged.
"He attacked me..." I whisper.
"Who? Who attacked you, Murph?" Rick asked walking in front of me to stand next to Abby.
"Toby..." I whisper, tears running down my cheek.
Abby hugs me, wrapping her arms protectively around me as I feel Rick rub my back. He was smart, he put two and two together. The gun and the blood, he knew I had shot Toby.
"Where is he..." Rick whispered.
"Dead, in mine and Daryl's tent." I whisper before burying my face against Abby's shoulder, wrapping my arms around her.
"Someone needs to find Daryl, right now." Rick instructs. "Abby, take Murphy into the house." He adds.
"T-Dogg and I will go find Daryl." Glenn offers.
T-Dogg nods. Abby hands them her eagles that she had holstered and told them to be careful. They both nod and head out. My body felt like it was going to give out. Abby lets me go as the girls come to check on me. Things got a bit burry and I felt light headed. I go to speak, but the last thing I remember was falling back into Shane's arms.
I woke up and was lying on a bed, my head hurt a bit. I felt a hand on my leg and jump from the bed, backing into the corner as I told whoever it was not to touch me. I slide down the wall, pulling my knees to my chest as I hear boots stomping across the floor towards me. The hand reaches for me again, but I slap it away.
"Murph?" A voice questions.
I look up to meet, not the eyes of Toby, but the blue eyes of my hunter. I couldn't stop the rush of tears and the emotion that hit me like tidal wave. I fling myself up from the floor and into Daryl's arms, wrapping my arms around him, holding on to him like he was my lifeline, as if I were to let go I would drown. Daryl wraps his arms around me as I bury my face in the crook of his neck. I was supposed to be strong, I could handle this, but instead I was standing broken in Daryl's arms as he rubbed my back.
I don't know what snapped, but I pushed Daryl away, he looked at me funny as I paced. My emotions were going wild; all I could keep thinking about was Toby's nasty breath and his hands invading me. Daryl goes to touch me, but I push his hands away.
"NO! I can handle this, I have to handle this! I can't let you handle this for me!" I snap.
Daryl just stands and watches, listens as I ramble on.
"I'm not a victim! He isn't going to have that power over me. I am better than him. I am not a victim!" I say wiping away the tears even if more came in their place.
"No one said ya were." Daryl says softly.
"His hands, his tongue...his lips...I can't get the feeling off me!" I cry.
I look down, my shorts were still undone and I was still in Shane's shirt, blood still speckled my body. I look up to see the anger in Daryl's eyes. If I hadn't killed Toby, Daryl would have.
"I feel so dirty, I need to shower. I have to get this off me." I say rubbing my arms.
"Murph, ya need to calm down." He says reaching for me.
"I can't, I have to get this off. I have to get rid of him." I say pushing past him.
Honestly I was on autopilot; my mind was so consumed with everything. Toby's fingers as they pressed against me, his saliva felt like it was still clinging to me like a grimy film. I could feel his dirty hands still on me, his blood in my mouth. I didn't give Daryl a chance to respond, I walked out of the room and straight to the bathroom. I shut the door behind me, quickly stripping off my clothes tossing them aside; I couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I flinch as I touch the bruised bite mark. I hurry to the shower, turning the water on, making it as hot as possible. When I glance in the mirror I see the handprint around my neck. The fresh bruises added to the old ones.
I step into the shower, hissing loudly as the water hit my skin. It was so hot, but I didn't care, I needed it. I needed it to wash away everything. I grab bar of soap and lather my body. I keep lathering and keep lathering, I needed it. There was a washcloth hanging on the rack, I grab it and wash myself. Over and over I repeat my actions, not caring my skin was turning red. I really don't know how long I spent scrubbing, but the soap, down to a small sliver, slipped from my hands. The water was turning cold and I just stood there under the steam.
I didn't even really notice the hand reaching in and turning the shower off. Nor did I pay attention to towel being wrapped around my body or the arms lifting me out of the tub. My skin looked like a lobster; my hair was wet and matted to my face. I faintly hear what I'm assuming was Abby's voice tell who I guessed was Daryl, that the coast was clear. I feel myself being toted down the hallway, Abby saying she'd get my clothes. Daryl kicks the door closed and lays me down on the bed, not caring that my hair was getting things wet.
"Murph." Daryl says.
I didn't want to look at him. I was ashamed, I felt dirty and maybe Toby was right, I really was good for nothing. I couldn't protect myself; I didn't protect Joshua or Sophia. I feel Daryl gently touch my cheek, which made tears fall once more.
"Please, talk to me, Murph." He asked.
"He put his hands...his mouth on me. He...his fingers..." I cry softly as I speak. "He touched me..." I say sliding my hand down my torso. "I can still fell his hands on me. His tongue, his breath." I say looking away.
"He can't hurt ya know, Murph. He's gone." Daryl spoke, I could hear the venom and anger in his tone.
"I just...he told me you wouldn't want me, I was his, I was a whore." I sigh.
I feel Daryl gently pull me up, hugging me close as I rested my forehead on his shoulder.
"He lied; I will always want ya Murph. Yer my girl, nothin' will change that." Daryl whispers in my ear.
"Promise?" I ask weakly.
"Always." Daryl says.
I feel Daryl gently pull away and kiss me gently, I wanted to cry. Here was the man I judge quickly, wrote off as being a stupid redneck, promising to always want me, always protect me. I kiss him back, but the moment is short live by a knock on the door. It slowly opens with the sound of Rick's voice. He realizes what he walked in on, and the fact I was in a towel. He apologized quickly and turns his head as he spoke.
"Sorry, we're just having a group meeting and we need you and Daryl." He says.
"Ok, um let me get dressed. But uh Rick, can I talk to you first?" I ask softly.
"Sure, I'll um...I'll be downstairs." He says closing the door.
I sigh softly and go to speak when I hear Abby say "I got you some clothes." I sigh and tell her to come in. Abby smiles softly at me as she walks in. Daryl nods towards her and she hands him over a pair of jean shorts and a black tank top. She looks at me and gently crosses her arms.
"Feelin' ok?" She asks.
"I will, eventually." I say.
Abby leans down and hugs me, kissing the top of my head as I hug her close. She whispers to me, telling me it was ok. I nod and slowly let her go. She tells me she'll be downstairs before making her exit. I look at Daryl, who was gently biting at his index finger. I smile at him, pulling his finger from his mouth and kissing his knuckles, which were starting to scab over. I looked at him; he was my guardian angel, my lover, everything I ever wanted in the world.
"Can you help me?" I ask softly.
Daryl nods as I take my towel off. His eyes narrow at the site of the bruises; I could see the stormy look in his eyes. I lift his chin, smiling at him, letting him know I was ok. I reach for my shirt, but he stops me. He brings me into a kiss, gently forcing me to lay back. I was a bit confused, but that seemed to vanish for a moment as his tongue slid past my lips. For a moment, everything was forgotten. I flinch when Daryl runs his fingers down my leg. He pulls back and looks down at me with concerned apologetic eyes. I smile, telling him it was ok.
"Trust me?" He asks.
"Always." I answer.
Daryl looks at me; his blue eyes had that possessive territorial look in them. He kisses my neck, causing a small moan to escape my lips. I didn't know what he was doing, but when he looked back into my eyes, his blue piercing into my two toned, asking me to trust him, I did just that. He trailed his lips across my collar bone, his tongue running along the valley between my breasts. I couldn't think about much at the moment, none of the bad thoughts. Daryl slowly makes his way down my torso. I look down, watching him move slowly, nipping at my skin and kissing the bruises.
I go to speak, but I'm cut off by the feeling of his tongue against me. My legs gently fall apart, toes curl and head falls back. Now I couldn't think of anything period, it was all flooded by the waves of pleasure Daryl sent through my body with the motion of his tongue. I lift my hand to my hair, I was a bit bruised down there, but Daryl was gentle, setting my nerves on fire. "Fuck" I manage to groan. Daryl was washing away the grime I felt from Toby; he was chasing away those demons that were scratching at my walls.
I gently grip his hair, letting the feeling he was giving me wash over me. He tongue worked against me, teasing as his teeth nipped at me. I moan his name as his fingers brush against me. My mind couldn't seem to function, Daryl had my body tingling. All I could think of at the moment was Daryl's tongue against me, his fingers working their magic as they slipped inside me.
The pain I had been in, the marks on my body, none of it mattered at this point and time. Any bad thoughts were wiped clean as I rode the waves of pleasure Daryl sent though my body. I arch my back, my orgasm washing over me. Daryl didn't stop until my body relaxed into him. He kissed his way up my body, kissing the marks along my pale skin as he did.
When his mouth meets mine, I pull him to me, teeth nipping at his bottom lip as he pulled me into his arms. The kiss lingers, Daryl getting me caught up in everything he was. When the kiss does break, I whine softly, not wanting to lose the contact. I knew we had to get up, meet the others down stairs though. We sit in silence for a moment, Daryl holding me tight. I sigh after a bit, reluctantly pulling away from him a bit.
"Ya sure yer up for this?" He asks.
"Yeah, I kind a have to be." I say softly.
Daryl helps me get dressed, taking care and watching my injuries as well as sore skin. He kisses my forehead before helping me off the bed. My body was still tingling, Daryl's lips, his touch, still lingered in my skin, making me smile. As we walk down stairs, I'm greeted by Rick. I ask him for a few private moments. He nods and walks with me into the kitchen, Daryl stayed back a bit. He was within ear shot, but was letting me stand on my own two feet, but was there if I fell.
"Toby?" I ask.
"Shane and I, we got his body out of the tent. Abby and Carol and cleaning it, gonna wash the blankets." Rick said softly.
"I, I had to kill him. If I didn't, he woulda killed me. He was tryin' to rape me." I say, biting back my tears.
"Murph, it's ok. You did what ya had to do. No one can blame you for that." He said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"But, I…I never killed anyone. I…." I trailed off.
"Murph, listen to me. You protected yourself; you did what you needed to, to make sure you stayed safe. I'm sorry he got to you, sorry you had to go through that." He said softly.
"Thanks for understanding, Rick." I whisper.
I smile when he hugs me; I was relieved in a way. Glad he understood that I wasn't a killer, but I wasn't going to let Toby win, not this time. Rick lets me go and nods Towards Daryl as he walks away. Daryl walks towards me, kissing my forehead.
"Proud of ya." He says.
"For what?" I ask.
"Standin' up for yerself." He says.
"I learned from this tough as nails redneck." I say softly.
Daryl just smirks, taking my hand as we walk in to the living room and waited for the group to discuss how we were going to deal with Randall.
A/N- Sorry it took so long my loves. But here it is. I hope you enjoyed.